Postpartum Appointments

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. It takes a while to get everything back to normal after birth. Banner Health recommends seeing your doctor within three weeks after delivery to check on your physical and emotional recovery. If you had a c-section, your doctor will want to check on your incision within two weeks after delivery to ensure it is healing properly.

Up until your first exam, you may still be dealing with childbirth-related aches and pains. This post-delivery appointment serves as a great time to address those pains and get any questions answered related to how your body has changed. Women commonly ask questions related to breastfeeding, birth control, sex, exercise and going back to work during their first postpartum doctor appointment.

If you have concerns or questions that need immediate attention before your first postpartum appointment, give your doctor a call.

What Questions Will Be Asked During My First Postpartum Appointment?

Your first appointment is a great time to ask any questions or raise any concerns that have come up since childbirth. Banner Health's expert staff is ready to answer any postpartum questions new parents may have in regards to what to expect. To ensure we address all concerns, we recommend writing these questions down before your appointment as sleep deprivation can take a toll on your memory during this time.

Your doctor will address the following during your first postpartum exam:

• If you experienced any complications during pregnancy or childbirth, your doctor will address how these complications will affect any future pregnancies or your overall health
• Any lingering questions about your labor and delivery experience
• Any emotional symptoms you may be experiencing, regarding the adjustment period to motherhood. Be sure to address any anxious, depressed or overwhelmed feelings
• Any physical symptoms you may still be experiencing, including vaginal or breast pain, bleeding, abdominal discomfort, incontinence or any other physical symptom your doctor may not ask about
• Whether you are currently breastfeeding
• When you can start having sex again
• Your birth control options

What Happens During My Physical Exam?

A post-delivery appointment is very similar to a normal physical exam at your doctor’s office. This physical exam will include the following:

• Blood pressure check
• A breast exam checking for lumps, tenderness, cracked nipples, redness and abnormal discharge
• An abdomen check to ensure there’s no tenderness. If you had a c-section, your doctor will be checking to make sure your incision is healing properly
• A speculum exam to ensure the vagina and cervix have healed properly
• A genitalia exam, especially if you had an episiotomy, to check that everything is healing properly
• An internal pelvic exam to make sure the uterus has shrunk and identify any problems with the cervix, ovaries and muscle tone

Banner’s expert staff is here to give you peace of mind when it comes to your postpartum experiences. Reach out any time with any post-delivery questions or concerns. We’re here to help.